Chapter Tiana #7
Thankfully, Dougie didn’t stir even when his mama sat up to look at me like she was about to put me out of her house. My daddy came in behind my mama followed by my auntie and uncle. I was still just jumping up and down because I couldn’t believe this was real.
“You said yes?!” My mama’s eyes were dancing and I knew she was excited to see the ring on my finger.
But her words stopped me cold. She had an apron tied around her waist and her hair was pulled up into a bun.
She was like looking into the future since we looked so much alike only she was old school and kept her hair pressed weekly.
“Oh! OH NO!” I turned around and ran back out through the patio doors without saying anything because I hadn’t ever given him an answer.
Parker was now standing there with his hand slid into the joggers he’d changed into after the game.
He had a calm look and a smile on his face like he knew I’d be coming right back out.
Damn him for knowing me so well.
“You forget something?”
He was being a smart ass and I couldn’t let him go into this thinking he was going to boss me around. Instead of feeling bad I put my hand on my hip and stared at him through narrowed eyes, which only earned me a bigger smile.
“I mean I assumed you would understand that I was agreeing when I took the ring and ran. And I kissed you.” Was I being defensive? Yes. Did I feel bad? Slightly. Would I apologize? Hell nah. He knew what he was signing up for.
Parker laughed and rubbed the stubble that had gathered on his jaw while his eyes traveled over my frame.
“Princess, you kiss me first thing in the morning when I wake up and before bed at night. I don’t want something that’s a touching but ordinary show of affection.
This isn’t the memory that I’m explaining to our son in thirty years when he’s ready to pop the question himself.
That his mama gave me a kiss, screamed and ran away from me.
The foundation of the love we have for each other is pure, the connection something only God could have created.
I need a response that is equally monumental from you. ”
“You bossing me around?”
He quirked a brow, his lips quivering as he tried to bite back a smile. “Do I need to?”
The excitement of the moment waned and the emotions of what he was asking me increased.
“Is this what you meant at the game? About moving your life forward?” My voice cracked and the vulnerable, happy woman who was so in love with this man showed her softness to him as reality seeped deeper into my soul.
His eyes got watery again and he took a step forward and pulled me to him.
“Yes. You’ve been the person, my person, since the moment you left me speechless the first time I met you.
I want to continue to learn you, love you, please you and pamper you more than I already have for the rest of my life.
You’re everything I was told could never exist in a woman: sharp wit, a pure heart, a giving loving soul and someone who doesn’t take shit.
Physically you’re perfection and my dick still hasn’t learned how to act around you all this time.
” His hand slid down to cup my ass before squeezing it to emphasize his point and now I was wondering if the pool house doors were locked.
“I love everything about you, even the things you don’t like about yourself, because they were a part of you that I fell in love with.
I want us. A couple that turns into a family and then a legacy.
I can’t have any of that without you because I only want it with you.
So can you please, and yes this is me begging, agree to marry me, Princess? ”
I didn’t want him to get down on one knee again because it wasn’t necessary. So, I held his hands and showed him my heart.
“You should already know my answer is yes. I love you. Which is such a small way of trying to put into words how I feel about you. I love you the way my mama loves my daddy; selflessly, completely but not without accountability. What we share is something I could never find with anyone else because I was only going to have it with you. You’ve shown me how beautiful life could be and it doesn’t have anything to do with vacations or the finer things you’ve provided.
I cherish every moment we have together.
Relaxing in your big-ass tub or when you helped me take down my braids and oiled my scalp.
You wanting to be a provider without stifling my desires.
Your ability to see me, flaws and all, and accept every part of me.
I love you, Parker Sebastian and yes, I will be your wife. ”
He swept me up in his arms and held me like I was his lifeline.
I was crying again unsure of why, because I was happy.
But I was overwhelmed with the realness of this moment.
How it solidified everything I’d ever wanted and reinforced that all the hopes that I’d placed in Parker hadn’t been for nothing.
“I love you, Princess. Thank you for letting me be the prince in your fairy tale.”